After using both bags, in my opinion, the m23 is way better than the GR1. There are more quick access pockets along with a huge water bottle pocket and in the GR1 if you fill up the bag the front pocket is pretty much useless but when the m23 is fully packed all the quick access pockets have their own volume so you can still actually use them when fully packed. I agree that it does take more time to open up the top loader but really with the access pockets along with the shortcut pocket to the main compartment there is really no need to keep actively opening up the top loader until you get to your destination to take things out and I feel like the top loader is way more convenient to take things out compared to the GR1 because I don't like that I have to actually lay the whole bag down to try to get the things that I need out. I rather just open up the top and dig to grab the things that I need. I purchased the m23 in the dark oak heritage version and by far this is the best bag I have ever purchased. I can literally do everything with this bag edc, gym, travel and even rucking. I am able to fit a 30lb plate in the laptop compartment and it still feels comfortable just like a GR1. I feel that people that don't like top loaders should give them a try because they might end up might liking just like in my case.
I appreciate hearing positve critisim of products. Learning what works and waht doesn't work is always helpful. My favorite bag is the 26L GR1. It's a perfect fit, and it just works. I'm also comfortable setting it up different ways. I had a 26L M23, that bag was huge. I'm 6'3" so I'm not a small dude. It looked like a parachute pack. I recently picked up a 21L M23, and it feels more usable than the 21L. I don't like it more than my GR1, but it's a solid bag for work. I'm a teacher, so I don't have to keep reaching into my bag during the day. The laptop compartment on every 21L GORUCK bag hits me a little weird. It's one of reasons I don't have a 21L GR1. The M23 isn't as bad, becuase the bag is an inch longer, but I still feel it. I don't know if I'll keep it, but it's worth keeping for a while. I can always sell it later.
Brother George!!!! Marvelous review. In the past I have had my own ideas about what the perfect EDC bag was. Thanks to your videos and content, I am slowly becoming a convert. This bag would be a great long distance commuter or plane carry on, but having no real access to the interior makes this a no go! Keep up the great work.
I have the M22 and M23, no GR1 but do have a GR2 26. I used the GR2 for EDC and switched to the M22 and then M23. The issue I have with flat opening bags is you have to stop, lay them down flat, open them up, and then pull out what you want. This is true if you want get to small frequently used items that are the organizational pockets, or you want to get to a less frequently used item like a jacket. The M23 lets me access frequently used items without having to stop and take my pack all the way off. This allows me to keep walking while accessing the pack. A person can pack out the M23 to maximize the space or access to items. To maximize space, pack the main compartment first. Packing the external pockets maximizes access.
I agree. Also, for traveling, the M23 should be more practical. In the main compartment, you put in the packing cubes, take them out when you arrive at your destination. The frequently used items you stow in the other compartments or pockets for easy access during the trip.
I agree with this and posted the same. The panel loaders I have like from evergoods are difficult to take stuff out from the main compartment in more crowded areas. With using pouches it doesn't matter if it's a top loader imo.
Great review George, and let me say that I prefer the XM4 headphones over the XM5! The XM4 headphones fold nicely, they are extremely comfortable and sound so good.
Awesome review George! I was considering the bag after briefly owning the M22. However, the Remote Equipment Charlie 25 is comparible bag with easier access, so decided to stick with it. Love that little pack! Happy New Year 🎉
Happy to get the Peak Design Everyday Backpack which is a toploader but one step and has sideaccess. I put the PD techpouch on a divider at the top. And that works great. Even with my 16” MacBook at the back.
Thanks for addressing the robic material. Wanted to try the 18l double comp bullet but will have to hope for a cordura version. I wish Goruck went back to all cordura, including the backpanels.
Hey George, Another Great Review 😎👍🏽 Just a Quick Question George: Which Company Do You Recommend to buy Tactical Packing Cubes From??? Holla Back At Cha’ Boy at Your Convenience. Peace Tim W. San Diego, CA 😎☀️🏖️🍹💯👍🏽
I think the big thing is that GoRuck fanboys don't understand fabrics and still think 1000D is the best (hasn't been for a while, and Ultra400 and 800 absolutely destroy it). You are not doing GoRuck, Tough Mudder, or Spartan events with this bag. Robic is fine, it simply should be cheaper.
Considering this is more of an EDC focused. You don't need 1000D rugged + heaviness. Robic, 500D Cordura or ultra 400/800 is completely fine for EDC and will last a long time.
On a tight commercial flight how do I get quick access to my chargers, gum, EarPods etc with a seat back in my face?? My only issue with this bag. Surprising design flaw from our Goruck friends. I’m a fanboy with plenty of gear but the designers missed big time on this. Could have put a pocket on the outside of the top flap. Wondering if SCARS could modify it.
Great video as always George. Huge bummer about the laptop size, I also use a 15" dell XPS and that it doesn't fit takes this bag out of contention, otherwise I would have bought it (I'm good with the other aspects). Damn!
Hey George, I Think GORUCK May Need to Go Back to the Drawing Board with their Redefinement with their “R&D” with the M23. Especially with tthe Laptop Issue of not Being Able to Load Your 15 inch Laptop Computer. I see Why Your Perturbed about the GORUCK M23😮 Tim W. San Diego, CA 😎🥃💯👍🏽
GD - Yeah I feel you. I was slightly on the fence on this bag. I originally ordered the 26L and it’s HUGE! I’m not a small guy - 6ft 240lbs. As someone said in the comments the 26L is a parachute pack. I went with the 21L - I figure if I need a larger pack I have a 26L GR1 Slick I can easily use (along with other bags in the arsenal). But I get that lugging the laptop - it struck me as odd that they would limit the bombproof laptop to a 14in! Shoulda been 15”! And for now only time will tell if this Robic material will survive. We shall see. The saving grace is the side pockets - plenty of options and the access to the inner cavity are a must - having to undo the top to get to the inner cavity would have been a quick return (heck probably wouldn’t have purchased it to begin with. Any much appreciate your take and willingness to trial this bag. It has its use case, but that’s why we have reviews - to help give insight into what the bag is about and what it may be capable of in use. Thanks again and happy new year!
Just get one used. Goruck backed up their gear even you’re not the original owner. You can get one at around 200 usd in decent condition from time to time
You should do the exact same loading and unloading of the gr1. Because I'm with ya on the toploaders, but kinda forgot that the laying flat that you did is a giant pain on the go. On the road? Like the train. Lay it flat. At the office next to you. Flat? Out in the wilderness, open and everything on the floor. This is why I use a messenger. It can stand next to me. Open fully with visibility and access to everything but I don't need a separate table in my office for my bag. So I can't really hate on top loading. Generally the bag carries stuff from one location to the other and access there. So I disagree with easy access to all. It's easier to fill up a panel loader. But accessing it in the go is a pain.
I was tempted by this bag and the bullet double comparment, but like you i don't like the top loading aspect of it and the material. When it comes to materials i prefer the cordura or ballistic over robic just because of the feel, i dont like crinkly material, robic, x-pac, dyneema, i dont like that my bag sounds like a rain jacket 😅
So, the M23 is sitting in my Goruck cart. But, before I buy, I came here to you because I trust your reviews. Thanks, G.
Love that you collab with JB outside. Love the friend vibes.
After using both bags, in my opinion, the m23 is way better than the GR1.
There are more quick access pockets along with a huge water bottle pocket and in the GR1 if you fill up the bag the front pocket is pretty much useless but when the m23 is fully packed all the quick access pockets have their own volume so you can still actually use them when fully packed.
I agree that it does take more time to open up the top loader but really with the access pockets along with the shortcut pocket to the main compartment there is really no need to keep actively opening up the top loader until you get to your destination to take things out and I feel like the top loader is way more convenient to take things out compared to the GR1 because I don't like that I have to actually lay the whole bag down to try to get the things that I need out. I rather just open up the top and dig to grab the things that I need.
I purchased the m23 in the dark oak heritage version and by far this is the best bag I have ever purchased. I can literally do everything with this bag edc, gym, travel and even rucking. I am able to fit a 30lb plate in the laptop compartment and it still feels comfortable just like a GR1.
I feel that people that don't like top loaders should give them a try because they might end up might liking just like in my case.
I appreciate hearing positve critisim of products. Learning what works and waht doesn't work is always helpful.
My favorite bag is the 26L GR1. It's a perfect fit, and it just works. I'm also comfortable setting it up different ways.
I had a 26L M23, that bag was huge. I'm 6'3" so I'm not a small dude. It looked like a parachute pack.
I recently picked up a 21L M23, and it feels more usable than the 21L. I don't like it more than my GR1, but it's a solid bag for work. I'm a teacher, so I don't have to keep reaching into my bag during the day. The laptop compartment on every 21L GORUCK bag hits me a little weird. It's one of reasons I don't have a 21L GR1. The M23 isn't as bad, becuase the bag is an inch longer, but I still feel it.
I don't know if I'll keep it, but it's worth keeping for a while. I can always sell it later.
Brother George!!!! Marvelous review. In the past I have had my own ideas about what the perfect EDC bag was. Thanks to your videos and content, I am slowly becoming a convert. This bag would be a great long distance commuter or plane carry on, but having no real access to the interior makes this a no go! Keep up the great work.
I have the M22 and M23, no GR1 but do have a GR2 26.
I used the GR2 for EDC and switched to the M22 and then M23.
The issue I have with flat opening bags is you have to stop, lay them down flat, open them up, and then pull out what you want.
This is true if you want get to small frequently used items that are the organizational pockets, or you want to get to a less frequently used item like a jacket.
The M23 lets me access frequently used items without having to stop and take my pack all the way off. This allows me to keep walking while accessing the pack.
A person can pack out the M23 to maximize the space or access to items. To maximize space, pack the main compartment first. Packing the external pockets maximizes access.
I agree. Also, for traveling, the M23 should be more practical. In the main compartment, you put in the packing cubes, take them out when you arrive at your destination. The frequently used items you stow in the other compartments or pockets for easy access during the trip.
I agree with this and posted the same.
The panel loaders I have like from evergoods are difficult to take stuff out from the main compartment in more crowded areas.
With using pouches it doesn't matter if it's a top loader imo.
👊🏻😜
Great review George, and let me say that I prefer the XM4 headphones over the XM5! The XM4 headphones fold nicely, they are extremely comfortable and sound so good.
Awesome review George! I was considering the bag after briefly owning the M22. However, the Remote Equipment Charlie 25 is comparible bag with easier access, so decided to stick with it. Love that little pack! Happy New Year 🎉
Another great, thorough review. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Happy to get the Peak Design Everyday Backpack which is a toploader but one step and has sideaccess. I put the PD techpouch on a divider at the top. And that works great. Even with my 16” MacBook at the back.
Thanks for addressing the robic material. Wanted to try the 18l double comp bullet but will have to hope for a cordura version. I wish Goruck went back to all cordura, including the backpanels.
Hey George, Another Great Review 😎👍🏽
Just a Quick Question George: Which Company Do You Recommend to buy Tactical Packing Cubes From???
Holla Back At Cha’ Boy at Your Convenience.
Peace
Tim W.
San Diego, CA
😎☀️🏖️🍹💯👍🏽
I think the big thing is that GoRuck fanboys don't understand fabrics and still think 1000D is the best (hasn't been for a while, and Ultra400 and 800 absolutely destroy it). You are not doing GoRuck, Tough Mudder, or Spartan events with this bag. Robic is fine, it simply should be cheaper.
Considering this is more of an EDC focused. You don't need 1000D rugged + heaviness. Robic, 500D Cordura or ultra 400/800 is completely fine for EDC and will last a long time.
You got me! I am a Goruck fanboy.😅
Me to lol I love all of it!!@@GeorgeDEFINED
happy new year George
On a tight commercial flight how do I get quick access to my chargers, gum, EarPods etc with a seat back in my face?? My only issue with this bag. Surprising design flaw from our Goruck friends. I’m a fanboy with plenty of gear but the designers missed big time on this. Could have put a pocket on the outside of the top flap. Wondering if SCARS could modify it.
Great video as always George. Huge bummer about the laptop size, I also use a 15" dell XPS and that it doesn't fit takes this bag out of contention, otherwise I would have bought it (I'm good with the other aspects). Damn!
I just want a gr1 21 slick with a dang top pocket but that's a bridge too far for goruck
They have it now at huckberrry
Preach Bro. GEORGE!
Great review, George! I was thinking about buying this bag. The fabric durability is very concerning.
Hey George, I Think GORUCK May Need to Go Back to the Drawing Board with their Redefinement with their “R&D” with the M23. Especially with tthe Laptop Issue of not Being Able to Load Your 15 inch Laptop Computer.
I see Why Your Perturbed about the GORUCK M23😮
Tim W.
San Diego, CA
😎🥃💯👍🏽
for the top access, can you leave it wide open before closing with the buckles, or do you have to use the drawstring to hide the excess flaps?
GD - Yeah I feel you. I was slightly on the fence on this bag. I originally ordered the 26L and it’s HUGE! I’m not a small guy - 6ft 240lbs. As someone said in the comments the 26L is a parachute pack. I went with the 21L - I figure if I need a larger pack I have a 26L GR1 Slick I can easily use (along with other bags in the arsenal). But I get that lugging the laptop - it struck me as odd that they would limit the bombproof laptop to a 14in! Shoulda been 15”! And for now only time will tell if this Robic material will survive. We shall see. The saving grace is the side pockets - plenty of options and the access to the inner cavity are a must - having to undo the top to get to the inner cavity would have been a quick return (heck probably wouldn’t have purchased it to begin with. Any much appreciate your take and willingness to trial this bag. It has its use case, but that’s why we have reviews - to help give insight into what the bag is about and what it may be capable of in use. Thanks again and happy new year!
Do you still recommend the Defy Menace? Or something else ?
Saw the intro, hit like 😂
I have been tempted to get this bag or a greenroom136 northseeker but now I’m leaning toward greenroom136. I can’t justify the price for a GR1.
Just get one used. Goruck backed up their gear even you’re not the original owner. You can get one at around 200 usd in decent condition from time to time
@@tomchiu4170 that’s a good idea! I do like the clean look of the GR1, also tempted by the new 18L double compartment bullet.
You should do the exact same loading and unloading of the gr1.
Because I'm with ya on the toploaders, but kinda forgot that the laying flat that you did is a giant pain on the go.
On the road? Like the train. Lay it flat.
At the office next to you. Flat?
Out in the wilderness, open and everything on the floor.
This is why I use a messenger. It can stand next to me. Open fully with visibility and access to everything but I don't need a separate table in my office for my bag.
So I can't really hate on top loading.
Generally the bag carries stuff from one location to the other and access there.
So I disagree with easy access to all.
It's easier to fill up a panel loader. But accessing it in the go is a pain.
They did come out with cordura m23
Another great review. This wouldn't be the pack for my EDC, but it does have some cool features.
Looks a lot more usable than my Bullet
Which version of the Bullet do you have?
I was tempted by this bag and the bullet double comparment, but like you i don't like the top loading aspect of it and the material. When it comes to materials i prefer the cordura or ballistic over robic just because of the feel, i dont like crinkly material, robic, x-pac, dyneema, i dont like that my bag sounds like a rain jacket 😅
Great review but do a review of a Pacsafe Fanny pack! I know you want to and you can rock it!
Steam deck case link? Need a slimmer one for my steam deck oled
You still liking the M23?
NC subscriber 👊
Don’t you and @jboutside1 share the state (I think)? It will be a short flight to track you down brother. Happy 2024. 🎉
I’m so over goruck. I’d save my $245 for another brand. I have a GR1 21, 15 bullet, and two 10 bullets. They are too basic for me nowadays